Australian Flora Series: Proteaceae (banksias, grevilleas)

Learn about an iconic Australian plant family: Proteaceae (banksias, grevilleas) with Tanya Scharaschkin

I thoroughly enjoy running workshops on different plant families as part of my “Australian Flora Series”. We spend a day or two, focused on a single plant family, with time to examine and draw and learn all manner of interesting details. We examine flowers and vegetative material so as to thoroughly understand processes such as pollination, dispersal and germination and to gain an appreciation of diversity of forms. We discuss aspects of the ecology and evolutionary history of the family, in relation to Australia's geological past. 

The workshop will suit anyone interested in learning about our native flora or simply curious about the natural world. My aim is to make it easy for people to understand botany, so that they can follow their interests and apply scientific knowledge to practical purposes, such as gardening, plant conservation, plant ID, propagation. Participants are encouraged to take notes and make simple drawings based on observations. These drawings can form part of a "botanical study" to develop into more detailed artwork later or could go straight into your nature journal. 

Why not head down to Hobart for a few days of botanical art and nature journalling? Bring a friend or family members. My workshops and the retreat do not require any prior scientific or drawing/art experience, just an interest in the natural world.

Cost $580 for two days 13-14 May 2026 10am to 4pm

Book directly with Tanya (email: botanicalresearcharttraining@gmail.com ) or via Humanitex https://events.humanitix.com/proteaceae

About your instructor

Dr Tanya Scharaschkin is a botanist and artist, with over 35 years of teaching experience. Tanya has a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology and a Master’s degree in Zoology from Pakistan. She has a Master’s degree in Vertebrate Paleontology and a PhD in Plant Systematics from the US. Much of her academic career was spent in Brisbane, Queensland. She is now a free-lance botanist and artist, living and working in Collinsvale, Tasmania.

Tanya is an enthusiastic and well-organised instructor. Her lectures, talks and workshops enable the general public to understand scientific concepts. Tanya conducts a variety of workshops as a way of sharing her enthusiasm for plants and bringing art and science together.